CSDMS 2014 annual meeting poster Lian Feng
Modeling the evolution of a thrust system: a geological application of DynEarthSol2D
Eunseo Choi, University of Memphis Memphis Tennessee, United States. echoi2@memphis.edu
Mervin Bartholomew, University of Memphis Memphis Tennessee, United States. jbrthlm1@memphis.edu
Abstract:
DynEarthSol2D (an open source available at http://bitbucket.org/tan2/dynearthsol2) is a robust, adaptive, two-dimensional finite element code that solves the momentum and heat energy balance equations in the Lagrangian form using unstructured meshes. Verified in a number of benchmark problems, this solver uses contingent mesh adaptivity in places where shear strain is focused (localization) and a conservative mapping assisted by marker particles to preserve phase boundaries during remeshing. As a first step towards the ultimate goal of applying DynEarthSol2D to the tectonics-surface process coupling, we explored the role of spatial distribution of décollements on structural styles of a thrust system. In our models, a décollement is a gliding zone of accumulated high shear strain, originating from an incompetent layer with a lower cohesion and friction angle than its surrounding rock. Models of various spacing between décollements develop dramatically different subsequent structures with a spectrum of three characteristic styles of thrust systems: ramp-flat thrust, imbricate thrust, and duplex. We also investigate how erosion rates and overburden influence thrusting patterns.
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